Porto Carras - Meliton

The Meliton is part of the larger Porto Carras Grand Resort, which sits on over 4,000 acres of land filled with forests, more than five miles (eight kilometers) of beach, and a marina. The resort has multiple hotels, an 18-hole golf course, horse stables, a tennis club, conference facilities, and three helipads. A tram is available to shuttle guests to various locations around the grounds. The Meliton sits on the beach, up against the marina, with a beautiful view in both directions. Tall trees create shady areas and barriers between gathering spots, and thick forests surround the hotel, giving it a quiet, tranquil feeling. Trim shrubbery and a few pops of bright flowers add to the natural beauty. 

Interiors are beautiful, as well. The lobby is an open, contemporary space with a minimalist design. A 360-degree fireplace surrounded by a circle of blue sofas, delicate ornamental birds flitting above a three-story wrought tree, and butterfly art add interesting elements to the otherwise neutral color scheme and understated furnishings. This hotel is generally well-liked by all -- particularly families -- for the excellent facilities and beautiful surroundings, though it doesn't quite reach its advertised five-pearl status. 

Porto Carras is on the western coast of Halkidiki’s central peninsula in northern Greece. It is in an isolated area with little nearby, though an eight-minute drive from the small village of Neos Marmaras. A shuttle boat from the hotel makes trips to the village, where guests can explore local restaurants, shops, and churches, or catch a bus to other locales. An hour’s drive away, the picturesque Karydi Beach offers beautiful shallow waters and a paradisiacal feel, though it is more natural than tourist-friendly. The major city of Thessaloniki is close to two hours away by car, where a major port and the Thessaloniki Airport provide transportation access. 

Standard rooms are spacious and pristine, but their modern design is plain, featuring neutral tones and simple wood finishings. Though still in a neutral palette, decor is more attractive in higher-category rooms thanks to stylish furnishings, artwork, and upscale material selections like hardwood floors instead of beige carpet or tile. A king-size or two single beds sleep two people, and many rooms have a sofa bed for a third guest. All rooms have a flat-screen TV, minibar, and safe, as well as a furnished balcony -- some with stunning marina or sea views. Some upgraded rooms also offer separate living areas and extra bedrooms and bathrooms; many of these include kettles, robes, and slippers. Decent-sized marble bathrooms are mostly equipped with a curtained shower/tub combo. Upgrades offer hydromassage tubs, separate tubs and shower stalls, and a separate cabin for the toilet. Hairdryers are provided and free toiletries include soap, shampoo, conditioner, and shower gel. 

There’s loads to do on the grand property of Porto Carras, and the Meliton offers a broad range of entertainment all on its own. Four on-site restaurants provide options, and a Dine Around program means all-inclusive and half-board guests can access more than typical buffet-style dining. The main restaurant serves breakfast and dinner, which many guests enjoy but some feel the quality is lacking given the price. There’s also a beachfront self-service lunch restaurant, and an exclusive breakfast and dinner restaurant for those in Executive Suites only. A cute cafe serves Greek and international dishes. 

Two beautiful outdoor pools allow guests to spread out. The main pool sprawls along the back of the property, and includes an indoor section accessible underwater and a wading section with slides. Padded loungers are spread out on tiered decks around the pool, with space for a more private feel. The long stretch of beach is crowded with comfortable sunbeds under tiki umbrellas. The sand can be rough, but the shallow waters are excellent for swimming, especially for children. 

An elegant spa offers a full range of treatments and includes multiple pools, a whirlpool, a sauna, a beauty salon, and more. The indoor pool is only available to children in the afternoon, otherwise it is adult-only. A spacious, adult-only fitness room looks out to the marina, with equipment for both weight training and cardio exercise. The mini-club offers supervised activities, and a worn playground is available for kids to use. For adults, the Meliton has a fun casino, a small shopping mall, yacht rentals from the marina, tennis courts, and a mini-soccer field. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel, but some guests find the service unreliable.